Apparatus and method for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape

ABSTRACT

A plurality of shoe members are provided each having an outward, arcuate curvature defining a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed roll core. The shoe members are pivotally connected together in end-to-end relationship being thereby capable of pivotal expansion from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position with the shoe members generally lying on the circle. Power means is provided positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of the shoe members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand the members so as to provide a cylindrical core and, in turn, a cylindrical roll.

United States Patent [151 3,677,058

Van Gompel [451 July 18, 1972 54] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [72] Inventor: Jams J. Van Gompel, Fremont, Ind.

[73] Assignee: Brammall, Inc., Angola, Ind.

[22] Filed: Sept. 4, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 69,791

[52] US. Cl ..72/393 [58] Field of Search ..72/381, 383, 392, 393

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 426,492 4/1890 Debth ..72/392 2,474,887 7/1949 Carswell et al. ..72/392 34 44 I 36 4o 40 28 I b8 54 56 L l l 32 l 44 I b2 32 AC RESTORING DEFORMED ROLLS OF SHEET STOCK TO CYLINDRICAL SHAPE 357,120 8/1922 Germany ..72/392 Primary xaminer-Lowell A. Larson Attorney-Hood, Gust, lrish & Lundy [57] ABSTRACT A plurality of shoe members are provided each having an outward, arcuate curvature defining a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed roll core. The shoe members are pivotally connected together in end-to-end relationship being thereby capable of pivotal expansion from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position with the shoe members generally lying on the circle. Power means is provided positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of the shoe members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand the members so as to provide a cylindrical core and, in turn, a cylindrical roll.

21 Claim, 13 Drawing Figures .42 i fl vu l 2 ,l -s -1 A 4.-- I 50 I 5 PATENTEnJuL18|912 3.671.058

SHEET 3 0F 7 FIGA 70 52 24 2 64 I so INVENTORZ JAME's J. VAN G-OIVIPEL' ATTQQNEQs.

PATENIEnJuLmsn 3.677.058

sumqnr? FIGS INVENTOP'. JOHNJ. VAN @OMPELI ATTORNEYS.

PATENTED JULI8 I972 3,677,058

sum 6 or 7 INVENTOEJ JAMES J. VAN GOMPEL,

ATTORNE'YS- PATENTED Jun 8 m2 SHEET 7 BF 7 FIG] I INVENTdRI' JAME$ J. VAN GOMPEL ATTORNEYS.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESTORING DEFORMED ROLLS OF SHEET STOCK TO CYLINDRICAL SHAPE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape.

2. Description of the Prior Art Large rolls of sheet material, such as printing paper and paper used in the paper conversion industry, are conventionally supported upon cylindrical cores formed of relatively thin-walled material, such as cardboard or metal. Large rolls or coils of sheet metal, such as tin plate, aluminum or steel are conventionally wound on mandrels and after removal therefrom are self-supporting, i.e., no separate core is provided. During the transportation of such large rolls or coils and/or during the handling thereof at the utilization plant, there are times when the roll or coil is dropped or otherwise jostled resulting in deformation or depression of the roll with resultant deformation of its core. Such deformed rolls cannot be employed on modern, high-speed equipment due, among other things, to vibration. The scrap value of a deformed roll of paper or sheet metal is a small fraction of the original cost thereof and thus, a substantial loss is incurred unless the material can be salvaged. The paper or sheet metal on the deformed roll can be salvaged by rewinding from the deformed roll onto a new core or mandrel, however, this is a time consuming operation requiring rewinding apparatus which is not commonly available at the utilization plant. It is thus desirable to provide an apparatus and method for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to their original cylindrical shape.

In order to restore a deformed roll of sheet stock to its original cylindrical shape, it is necessary to apply outward force on the internal surface areas of the core. U.S. Pat. No. 3,292,903 granted Dec. 20, 1966 discloses apparatus for straightening deformed rolls which comprises a pair of shoes inserted in an end of a deformed core, and an external ram-actuated mechanism for separating these shoes thereby to straighten the core. By reason of the arrangement and configuration of the apparatus, the shoes can only be positioned in the entrance of the deformed core and thus, such apparatus is not suitable for straightening certain severely damaged rolls since it cannot be inserted into the interior of the core to apply spreading force at points spaced inwardly from the ends.

Spreaders for damaged cores are employed which generally comprise an elongated body adapted to be inserted or driven into a deformed core, the body carrying a ram-actuated shoe for outwardly forcing depressed areas of the core. Such spreaders are useful in restoring smaller rolls to their original cylindrical configuration, however, they are not suitable for use in the straightening of larger rolls which have a larger diameter core.

Other apparatus is currently used which comprises a pair of spaced-apart, curved shoes for engaging generally opposite internal surface areas of the core of the deformed roll, and a hydraulic ram acting between the shoes. While such apparatus may be employed for straightening larger diameter rolls, it is generally necessary to rotate the apparatus within the core to several different angularly spaced positions and/or to employ two or more sets of such apparatus in order to restore the core to its original cylindrical configuration.

Other apparatus is in use which comprises a pair of laterally spaced-apart shoes which are separated by a toggle linkage actuated by a longitudinally extending hydraulic cylinder. While such apparatus is capable of initial insertion in a severely depressed, larger diameter core, and of expanding the same to its original cylindrical shape, such apparatus must also be rotated within the core to several different positions in order to complete restoration of the core to its original cylindrical shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the straightening of certain larger rolls, it is necessary that the spreading apparatus be capable of insertion interiorly of the core in order to exert spreading force throughout its length. It is further desirable that the necessity for rotating the apparatus within the core to several different angularly spaced positions be eliminated.

In accordance with the invention, apparatus is provided for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to their original cylindrical shape which comprises at least two shoe members capable of insertion into the interior of a deformed core and having outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core. Each of the members has opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature therebetween which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core. Means are provided for pivotally connecting the members together in end-to-end relationship so that the members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position with the outer surfaces generally lying on the circle. Power means are provided positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of the members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand the members to their expanded position.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to their original cylindrical shape.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved apparatus for straightening deformed rolls capable of insertion into the interior of a deformed coil, and which does not require rotation of the apparatus within the core to several angularly displaced positions inorder to restore the core to its original cylindrical configuration.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape.

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an end view of one embodiment of the invention shown in its collapsed position within a deformed core;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in its expanded position;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a somewhat schematic view showing the progressive steps in the restoration of a deformed roll of sheet stock to its original cylindrical configuration with the apparatus of the previous figures;

FIG. 5 is an end view showing another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one aspect of the method of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly broken away, showing a modification of the apparatus of the invention and the accompanying method;

FIG. 9 is a somewhat schematic view. showing employment of the apparatus of the invention in initially spreading severely depressed cores;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side view illustrating modifications of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 11 is another somewhat schematic view showing employment of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention in spreading damaged cores;

FIG. 12 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the invention shown in its collapsed position; and

FIG. 13 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. 12 shown in its partially and fully expanded positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, generally indicated at 20, comprises five arcuately outwardly curved shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. Shoes 22, 24, and 26 respectively have opposite ends 32, 34, and shoes 28, 30 have ends 36 and distal ends 38. The outer surface 40 of each of the shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 has an outward arcuate curvature between the ends of the shoe which defines a segment of a circle, as shown by the dashed line 42 in FIG. 1, having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of a normal, undeformed core.

Ends 32 of shoes 22 and 24, ends 34 of shoes 22 and 26, and ends 34, 36 of shoes 24 and 28, and shoes 26 and 30 are respectively pivotally connected together by hinge pins 44. Thus, shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are pivotally connected in end-to-end relationship so that the shoes may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position within a deformed core 46a, as shown in FIG. 1, to an expanded position in which the outer surfaces 40 generally lie on circle 42 which is coincident with the inside diameter of the restored cylindrical core 46b, as shown in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are pivotally expanded from their collapsed position to their expanded position by means of a hydraulic ram 48. Ram 48 comprises a cylinder 50 and an extensible piston rod 52 having a cap 54 secured to its upper end 56. Closed end 58 of cylinder 50 engages inner surface 60 of the middle shoe 22 and is located by means of a pair of generally triangular seat members 62 which are secured to inner surface 60, as by welding.

In intermediate member 64 is provided having a portion 66 which engages the upper surface of cap 54 and a pair of ears 68 which removably retain member 64 on cap 54. Member 64 has a pair of spaced-apart roll bars 70 secured to the upper surface of portion 66, as by welding, and a projection 72 which extends upwardly intermediate roll bars 70. In the collapsed position of the shoes as shown in FIG. 1, the rounded distal ends 38 of shoes 28, 30 respectively engage the upper surface of portion 66 of intermediate member 64 between roll bars 70 and projection 72, as shown. It will be observed that shoes 28, 30 are substantially shorter than the remaining shoes 22, 24, and 26, and that they extend inwardly in the collapsed position of the shoes. Another pair of roll bars 74 are provided secured to the inner surfaces of shoes 28, 30, as by welding, roll bars 74 being spaced from distal ends 38. Cylinder 50 has a port 76 adapted to be connected to a suitable source of hydraulic fluid under pressure (not shown), application of fluid under pressure to cylinder 50 by means of port 76 causing extension of piston 50 from its fully retracted position, as shown in FIG. 1, to its fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 2.

It will be seen that extension of piston rod 52in response to the application of fluid pressure to cylinder 50 will result in outward pivotal movement of shoes 24, 26 with respect to middle shoe 22, as shown by arrows 80, and outward and upward pivotal movement of shoes 28, 30 with respect to shoes 24, 26 as shown by arrows 82 (FIG. 1). Referring now additionally to FIG. 4, apparatus 20 in its collapsed position is inserted in deformed core 46a and positioned so that at least one of the longer shoes 22, 24, 26 engages a point on the inner surface 78 of the core. Referring to FIG. 4A, roll 84 of sheet stock commonly will have a major depressed area 86 and in such cases, middle shoe 22 is preferably positioned in engagement with a point on the inner surface of deformed core 46a opposite depressed area 86. Upon initial extension of piston rod 52, the upper surface of portion 66 of intermediate member 64 is in engagement with distal ends 38 of shoes 28, 30, and forces those shoes upwardly thereby pivoting shoes 24, 26, 28 and 30 upwardly and outwardly, as shown in FIG.

48, thus initiating the restoration of the core to its original cylindrical shape. Initial extension of piston rod 52 causes distal ends 38 of shoes 28, 30 to slide into engagement with projection 72 (FIG. 4B) and further extension of piston rod 52 causes roll bars 70 to engage shoes 28, 30, the resulting outward force exerted by shoes 24, 26, 28 and 30 continuing restoration of the core until the three longer shoes 22, 24, 26 are in continuous engagement therewith (FIG. 4C). As extension of piston rod 52 further continues, shoes 28, 30 exert further outward force on depressed area 86 and roll bars 70 on intermediate member 64 engage roll bars 74 on shoes 28, 30 (FIG. 4D). Still further, extension of piston rod 52 causes roll bars 74 on shoes 28, 30 to slide partially around roll bars 70 until the outer surfaces 40 of shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 define circle 42, core 46 at this point having been restored to its original cylindrical configuration 46b (FIG. 2 and FIG. 4E). It will be observed, however, that depressed area 86 may not have been eliminated fully, and thus, piston rod 52 is further extended slightly so as to pivot shoes 28, 30 further outwardly beyond a full circle, thus eliminating depressed area 86 (FIG. 4F).

Upon removal ofthe hydraulic pressure from cylinder 50, the inward force exerted by the roll 84 of sheet stock on core 46 will force shoes 28, 30 inwardly to the full circle position of FIGS. 2 and 4E at which point intermediate member 64 and roll bars 70 function in the nature of a keystone, engagement of roll bars 74 on shoes 28, 30 with roll bars 70 on intermediate member 64 retaining shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 in their expanded, full circle position. Ram 48 may then be removed from the core, leaving the shoes and intermediate member in place so as to permit insertion of core plug 88 in end 90 of core 46 (FIG. 7).

Reference to FIG. 2 will show that the length of projection 72 of intermediate member 64 is such that distal end 88 en gages core 46 when shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are in their expanded, full circle-defining position.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 in which like elements are indicated by like reference numerals and similar elements by primed reference numerals, there is shown an embodiment of the invention in which apparatus 20 is actuated by a spreading mechanism 90 of the type illustrated and described in my application Ser. No. 56,536 filed July 20, 1970 and assigned to the assignee of the present application. Mechanism 90 comprises a conventional hydraulic cylinder 92 disposed on a horizontal axis 94 in spaced, parallel relationship with axis 96 of circle 42 (FIG. 1). Cylinder 92 has an internal piston (not shown) and a piston rod 98 movable longitudinally between a fully retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6, and a fully extended position upon application of hydraulic fluid under pressure to cylinder 92. Cylinder 92 is threadedly secured to block 100. A pair of elongated, transversely spaced-apart, parallel frame members 102, 104 are provided secured to opposite sides of block and extend longitudinally forwardly therefrom in spaced, parallel relationship with piston rod 98.

Outer end 106 of piston rod 98 is threadedly secured to picot block 108 which extends transversely between frame members 102, 104. Pivot block 108 has a pair of transversely spaced, forwardly extending pivot arms I10 defining a clevis. Forward surface 1 12 of pivot block 108 has a forwardly facing V-shaped configuration for a purpose shortly to be described. A pair of forced-exerting shoes 114, 116 are movable laterally toward and away from frame members 102, 104 between a fully collapsed position when piston rod 98 is fully retracted and a fully expanded position when piston rod 26 is fully extended. A first pair of links 118, 120 are provided. Link 118 has its inner end pivotally connected to clevis arms of pivot block 108 by pivot pin 122 having its axis intersecting longitudinal axis 94 at right angles. The outer end of link 118 is pivotally connected by pivot pin 124 to lugs 126 which depend from shoe 1 14. Link comprises a pair of transversely spaced link arms having their inner ends pivotally connected to clevis arms 110 by pivot pin 122. The outer ends of link arms 60 are pivotally connected by pivot pin 128 to lug 130 depending from shoe 1 16.

A second pair of links 132, 134 is provided. Link 134 has its inner end pivotally connected to frame members 102, 104 by pivot pin 136 which extends transversely between the frame members and has its axis intersecting longitudinal axis 94 at right angles. The outer end of link 134 is disposed between link arms 120 and is pivotally connected thereto by pivot pin 138. Link 132 comprises a pair of transversely spaced link arms. The inner ends of link arms 132 are positioned on opposite sides of the inner end of link 134, and are pivotally connected to frame members 102, 104 by pivot pin 136. The outer ends of link arms 132 are disposed on opposite sides of link 1 l8 and are pivotally connected thereto by pivot pin 140. Links 132, 134 are arcuately curved toward axis 94.

It will now be seen that the first pair of links 118, 120 and the second pair of links 132, 134 form a toggle coupling forward end 106 of piston rod 98 to shoes 114, 116. When piston rod 98 is fully retracted, the toggle will fully retract or collapse shoes 114, 116, as shown in FIG. 6. When piston rod 98 is extended, the toggle will laterally extend or spread shoes 114, 1 16.

Restraining member 142 is secured to frame members 102, 104 adjacent their outer ends 144 and extends transversely therebetween forwardly of the inner ends of links 132, 134. The inner ends of links 118, 120 are arcuately curved about the pivot axis of pivot pin 122 and bear against forwardly facing surface 112 of pivot block 108. The inner ends of links 132, 134 are arcuately curved about the axis of pivot pin 136 and bear against rearwardly facing V-shaped surface 146 of restraining member 142. The outer ends of links 118, 120 are arcuately curved about the axes of pivot pins 124, 128 and respectively bear against the inner surfaces of shoes 114, 116. Thus, with the inner ends of the toggle links respectively bearing against the complementary surfaces of pivot block 108 and restraining member 142, and the outer ends bearing against the complementary inner surfaces of shoes 114, 116, strain is relieved from pivot pins 122, 136, 124 and 128 as piston rod 98 is extended and shoes 1 14, 116 move laterally outwardly.

Shoe 114 of spreading mechanism 90 engages inner surface 60 of shoe 22 between seat members 62. Intermediate member 64 engages the upper surface of shoe 116 and is removably retained thereon by ears 68'.

It will now be seen that extension of piston rod 98 of mechanism 90 away from its fully retracted position will result in lateral separation of shoes 114, 116, and thus in expansion of shoes 22, 24, 26, 28', and 30' from their collapsed position, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 5, to their full circle position, as shown in dashed lines, roll bars 70 and 74 functioning in the same manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 1 through 4.

In a specific embodiment of the apparatus 20' shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, spreading mechanism 90 had a width of 3% inch between the outer surfaces of frame members 102, 104 and a height of 4% inch between the outer surfaces of shoes 114, 116 in their fully retracted position. Apparatus 20' had an overall height in its collapsed position of inches, and circle 42 defined by shoes 22, 24, 26, 28' and 30 in their expanded position had a diameter of 12 inches, the specific embodiment of apparatus thus being suitable for straightening 12 inch cores.

In the use of either embodiment of the invention abovedescribed, it is generally desirable to position the apparatus 20 or 20 adjacent the most-deformed end of the core and to straighten that end first. Core plug 88 is then inserted in the straightened end with the shoe ring 22, 24, 26, 28, still in place as above-described. If the other end of the core does not require further straightening, the shoe ring may then be removed from the other end and the other end plugged, plugging of the end which was first-straightened aiding in retaining the cylindrical configuration of the other end prior to and during plugging. If straightening of the other end of the core is required, the shoe ring is then moved in the core to a position adjacent the other end, the ram 48 or spreading mechanism 90 again positioned within the shoe ring, and the shoe ring is again expanded to its full-circle position, as abovedescribed, thereby to restore the other end of the core to its original cylindrical configuration. The shoe ring may then be completely removed from the core and the other end similarly plugged.

In some instances, it may be necessary to leave the shoe ring 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 in the other end of the core in order to plug that end. Referring now to FIG. 8 of the drawing, apparatus 20 or 20' was first positioned adjacent end 148 of core 146, end 148 was straightened, ram 48 or spreading mechanism 98 was removed from the shoe ring 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, as above-described, and core plug 88-1 was inserted in end 148. Shoe ring 22 et seq was then moved to a position adjacent end 150 of core 46, ram 48 or spreading mechanism 90 again inserted through end of core 46, and end 150 was then expanded. Ram 48 or mechanism 90 was again removed through end 150 leaving shoe ring 22 et seq positioned as shown in FIG. 8 and core plug 88-2 was then inserted in end 150 of core 46.

In order to remove shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 from core 46 following complete straightening thereof, hinge pins 44 are provided with rings 152 at one end thereof. Pin pulling tool 154 having hook 156 at one end thereof is then inserted through center opening 158 in plug 88-1 and hinge pins 44 are then pulled from the respective shoes 22 et seq and removed through opening 158 by pin pulling tool 154. With hinge pins 44 thus removed, shoes 22 et seq may be collapsed and retrieved through opening 158 in one or the other of the plugs 88-1, 88-2, openings 158 being sufficiently large to permit removal of the shoes therethrough.

Referring now to FIG. 9 of the drawings, two, three, four or all five of the shoes 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 may be employed initially to straighten a badly deformed core sufiiciently to permit use of the complete assembly 20 or 20' as abovedescribed. Referring to FIG. 9A, two of the shoes 22, 24 pivotally connected by hinge pin 44 may be positioned in badly deformed core 640 and pivotally expanded by ram 48. Here, cylinder 50 is shown engaging a seat member 62 on shoe 22 and piston rod 52 is shown engaging a seat member 62 on shoe 24.

Referring to FIG. 9B, here the three longer shoes 22, 24, 26 are initially positioned in deformed core 64d and expanded by ram 48. Here, ram 48 is initially positioned between seat members 62 on shoes 22 and 26. Following initial pivotal expansion of shoes 22, 24, 26, ram 48 may then be positioned between seat members 62 on shoes 24 and 26, as shown by the dashed line 160, so as to permit further pivotal expansion of shoes 22, 24, 26.

Referring now to FIG. 9C, four shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 are initially positioned in deformed core 64e with ram 48 initially extending between shoes 22, 24 and shoe 28 as shown. Following initial expansion of core 64c, ram 48 may then be positioned between seat members 62 on shoes 24, 26, as shown by the dashed line 162. Referring now to FIG. 9D, all five shoes 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 may initially be positioned within deformed core 64f. Ram 48 is initially positioned between shoes 22, 24 and seat member 62 on shoe 26. Following initial expansion of the shoes, ram 48 may then be positioned between seat member 62 on shoe 22 and shoe 30, as shown by the dashed line 164. It may be readily seen that ram 48 may be further moved to difi'erent positions to apply force between different ones of the shoes 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 until the core 64 has been sufficiently expanded to permit final restoration of its cylindrical configuration by employment of the complete apparatus 20 or 20 as above-described. It will be seen that each of the longer shoes 22, 24, 26 is desirably provided with a pair of spaced-apart seat members 62, and also that the roll bars 74 on shoes 28, 30 form convenient seats for engagement with ram 48 or spreading mechanism 90.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the bottom end of cylinder 50, or the outer surface of shoe 116 may be provided with several notches 166 for engagement with seat members 62, as shown. Alternatively, outwardly curved seat members or steps 168 may be removably attached to shoes 22, 24, 26 by pins 170 which are seated in selected holes 172, curved steps 168 engaging the bottom end of cylinder 50 or the outer surface of shoe 1 16 so as to permit angular or erect positioning of ram 48 or mechanism 90 and providing self-alignment thereof in any of the various positions shown in FIG. 9.

The shoe rings 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 are preferably proportioned so that when fully expanded they define a circle 42 having a diameter very slightly greater than the inside diameter of the core 46. In the case of the above-described specific embodiment for use in straightening cores having a 12 inch inside diameter, the shoe rings when fully expanded define a circle 42 having a diameter of l2-l/ 16th inches. When such full circle shoes are fully expanded and the ram 48 or spreading mechanism 90 removed, it has been found that the shoe ring forms substantially a perfect circle. The outer surfaces 40 of shoes 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 are preferably given a smooth finish and preferably sprayed with a material such as silicone and/or Teflon which permits the shoes to slip into pockets or gaps in the core 48 without tearing or splitting the core.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and B of the drawings, in which like elements are indicated by like reference numerals, an embodiment of the invention is shown, generally indicated at 174, incorporating five arcuately outwardly curved shoes 176, 178, 180, 182 and 184, all pivotally connected together in end-to-end relationship, i.e., each shoe has one end pivotally connected to an end of one adjoining shoe and its other end pivotally connected to an end of the other adjoining shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, shoes 176, 178 and 180 are of equal length and longer than shoes 182, 184 which are also of equal length. Apparatus 174 is shown in its collapsed position inserted in collapsed roll core 186, the configuration of collapsed roll core 186 being typical of an appreciable percentage of damaged coils of tin plate or aluminum.

Initially, two hydraulic rams 48-1 and 48-2, or alternatively two spreading mechanisms of the type illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, are positioned as shown in FIG. 1 1A, ram 48-1 exerting outward force between shoes 178 and 180, and ram 48-2 likewise exerting outward force between shoes 178 and 180. Rams 48-1 and 48-2 may be simultaneously or sequentially actuated thereby expanding shoes 176, 178, 180, 182 and 184 to enlarge the opening of core 186, as shown in FIG. 118. The two, smaller rams 48-1 and 48-2 are then removed and a single, larger ram or spreading mechanism 48-3 is introduced extending between the pivotal connection 188 joining shoes 176, and 178 and shoe 180, as shown. Ram 48-3 is then actuated further to expand shoes 176, 178, 180, 182 and 184 to the full circle position, as above-described, thereby restoring core 186 to its original cylindrical configuration.

Inspection of FIGS. 11A and B will readily reveal that one or more rams 48 may initially be positioned between different pairs of shoes in order to start the spreading operation, as may be dictated by the particular configuration of the damaged core. Thus, for example, ram 48-1 may initially extend between and apply outward force upon shoes 168 and 182, and ram 482 may initially extend between and apply outward force upon pivotal connection 188 and shoe 180. It will be readily apparent that a number of different initial, intermediate and final positions of rams 48-1, 48-2 and 48-3 may selectively be employed depending upon the particular shape of the damaged core.

Referring now to FIGS. 11C and D in which like elements are again indicated by like reference numerals, spreading apparatus 190 is shown as incorporating four arcuately curved shoes 192, 194, 196 and 198 all pivotally linked together, as in the five-link embodiment of FIGS. 1 1A and B, however, shoes 192, 194, 196 and 198 each have a different length. Here, apparatus 190 is shown in its collapsed position initially inserted in damaged roll core 200. In order to facilitate initial insertion of apparatus 190 in core 200 having the particular shape shown, one or more of the shoes, such as shoe 196, may initially be inverted, as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, ram 48 or alternatively the spreading mechanism of FIGS. 5 and 6, is initially positioned between and exerts outward force upon shoes I92 and 196.

Ram 48 is actuated thereby initially to expand pivotally connected shoes 192, 194, 196 and 198. After core 200 has been partially spread, as shown in FIG. 11D, the position of shoe 196 may be reversed and a larger ram 48 inserted extending between and exerting outward force upon pivotal connection 202 between shoes 196, 198 and shoe 192, as shown. The larger ram 48 is then actuated further to expand shoes 192, 194, 196 and 198 to their full circle position, thereby restoring core 200 to its original cylindrical shape.

It will now be understood that the apparatus may comprise four, five, or more arcuately curved shoes all pivotally connected together in end-to-end relationship, the number of shoes, the length of the shoes, and the initial, intermediate and final positioning of the rams or spreading mechanisms depending upon the shape of the particular damaged core to be straightened. It will further be seen that with the shoes being pivotally connected by the removable hinge pins of FIG. 8, one or more of the shoes or links may initially be inverted, and thereafter reversed in position as spreading of the core proceeds.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13 in which like elements are once again indicated by like reference numerals, yet another embodiment is shown, generally indicated at 204, in which an intermediate or adapter shoe forms a part of the full circle. I-Iere, four arcuately outwardly curved shoes 206, 208, 210 and 212 are provided, shoes 206 and 208 being pivotally connected as at 214, and shoes 210 and 212 being respectively pivotally connected to shoes 206, 208, as at 216 and 218. Spreading mechanism of the type shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is provided having its bottom shoe 116 initially engaging shoe 208. Intermediate member 220 engages upper shoe 114 of spreading mechanism 90 and has an arcuately outwardly curved outer surface 222 having the same radius of curvature as the outer surfaces of shoes 206, 208, 210 and 212. Intermediate member 220 has a pair of outwardly extending ears 224, 226 formed thereon, as shown.

Distal end 228 of shoe 210 has a bar 230 secured thereto which, in the collapsed position of apparatus 204, as shown in FIG. 12,is seated in curved recess 232 formed in upper surface 222 of intermediate member 220. Distal end 234 of shoe 212 has a bar 236 secured thereto which, in the collapsed position of the apparatus, engages the outer surface of shoe 210.

Upon initial extension of spreading mechanism 90, shoes 210 and 212 pivot upwardly, bar 236 pivoting on the upper surface of shoe 210 and bar 230 pivoting in recess 232, until comer 238 of intermediate member 220 engages the inner surface of shoe 210 and distal end 228 of shoe 210 engages the inner surface of shoe 212. At this point, upon further extension of spreading mechanism 90, sliding motion occurs, bar 230 sliding over upper surface 222 of intermediate member 220, as shown by arrow 240, until it is seated on ear 224, and bar 236 sliding over the outer surface of shoe 210 toward distal end 228, as shown by arrow 242, and then over outer surface 222 of intermediate member 220, as shown by arrow 244, until it is seated on ear 226, as shown in FIG. 12. Upon still further extension of spreading mechanism 90, shoes 210 and 212 pivot outwardly and shoes 206, 208 pivot inwardly until the full circle expanded position is reached, as shown in dashed lines at FIG. 12. It will be observed that in the full circle position of apparatus 204, distal ends 228 and 234 of shoes 210, 212 are spaced-apart with intermediate member 220 being positioned therebetween and with the curved outer surface 222 thereof lying on and completing the circle 42.

While the arcuately outwardly curved shoes of the several embodiments of the invention have been shown as being relatively narrow (FIGS. 3, 7 and 8), it will be readily understood that the shoes may have any width desired from relatively narrow, as shown, to substantially the entire length of the core. It will be understood that any number of curved shoes or links may be employed to make up a complete circle, the shoes having the requisite curvature corresponding to the inside diameter of the particular undeformed-roll. It will further be understood that all of the shoes may be pivotally connected together, as shown in FIG. 11, or that the circle of shoes may be left open as shown in the other figures. Further, while all of the curved shoes have been shown as comprising a single solid element, it will be readily understood that each shoe may comprise a plurality of spaced, parallel segments which allows interleaving of the segments in the collapsed position of the apparatus.

It will further be seen that the activating apparatus, whether it be one or more hydraulic rams or one or more spreading mechanisms of the type shown in FIGS. and 6, may be introduced through either or both ends of the core, may exert separating force adjacent either or both ends and/or adjacent the center of the core, and may be actuated either singly or simultaneously, depending upon the shape of the particular deformed core.

While there have been described above the principles of this invention in connection with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising at least three shoe members having outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core of a deformed roll, each of said members having opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position, and power means selectively positionable between and acting outwardly upon at least any two of said members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand said members.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are at least four of said members, each of said members having one end pivotally connected to an end of one adjoining member and its opposite end pivotally connected to an end of the other adjoining member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power means comprises a hydraulic ram having a piston rod with a distal end acting upon at least one of said members and a cylinder with a closed end acting upon at least one other of said members whereby extension of said piston rod pivotally expands said members.

4. Apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising at least two shoe members having outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core of a deformed roll, each of said members having opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position, and power means positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of said members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand said members, said power means comprising a pair of transversely spaced-apart, force-exerting elements, one of said elements acting upon at least one of said members and the other of said elements acting upon at least one other of said members, said elements being laterally separable in a transverse direction, a hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod extensible in a longitudinal direction generally normal to said transverse direction, and a toggle linkage coupling said piston rod to said elements whereby extension of said piston rod separates said elements thereby pivotally expanding said members.

5. Apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising at least four shoe members hav ing outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core of a deformed roll, each of said members having opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position, said outer surfaces of said members generally lying on said circle in said expanded position, there being two outer members each having a distal end and an opposite end pivotally connected to an end of an adjoining member, and power means respectively positioned between and acting outwardly upon said outer two of said members and at least one other of said members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand said members.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said power means is removably positioned between said members, and further comprising means for retaining said members in said expanded position whereby said power means may be removed therefrom.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said power means in cludes a first force-exerting element engaging said distal ends of said outer members, and a second force-exerting element engaging at least one other of said members.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein there are five of said members, said power means respectively acting upon said outer two of said members and the middle one of said members.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said outer two members are respectively shorter than the remaining members.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said distal ends of said outer members are closely spaced-apart in said expanded position whereby said outer surfaces nearly complete said circle.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said power means includes a pair of laterally separable, force-exerting elements, one of said elements removably engaging said middle member, and further comprising an intermediate member removably engaging the other of said elements, said intermediate member engaging said outer shoe members, and means on said intermediate member and on said outer shoe members for retaining said shoe members in said expanded position whereby said power means may be removed therefrom.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 1 wherein said retaining means comprising a first pair of spaced-apart roll bars on said intermediate member, said outer shoe members extending toward said middle member and having said distal ends engaging said intermediate member between said first roll bars in said collapsed position of said shoe members, and a second pair of roll bars respectively on said outer shoe members and spaced from said distal ends thereof, said first pair of roll bars respectively engaging said second pair of roll bars as said other element and intermediate member move outwardly thereby pivotally moving said outer shoe members toward said expanded position, said first and second pairs of roll bars and intermediate member cooperating to retain said shoe members in said expanded position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said distal ends of said outer shoe members are closely spaced-apart in said expanded position whereby said outer surfaces nearly complete said circle, said intermediate member having a projection formed thereon intermediate said distal ends, said projection having an outer end substantially coincident with said circle in said expanded position.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each of said shoe members is arcuate, said outer shoe members being respectively shorter than the remaining shoe members.

15. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said power means includes a pair of laterally separable, force-exerting elements, one of said elements removably engaging at least one of said members other than said outer members, and further comprising an intermediate member removably engaging the other of said elements, said intermediate member movably engaging said distal ends of said outer shoe members, said intermediate member having an outer arcuately curved surface defining a segment of said circle, said distal ends of said outer members being spaced-apart in said expanded position with said intermediate member positioned therebetween and with its said outer surface lying on said circle.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said intermediate member has a pair of oppositely extending ears thereon, the distal end of one of said outer members engaging said outer surface of said intermediate member and the distal end of the other said outer member engaging the outer surface of said one outer member in said collapsed position, said distal ends respectively engaging said ears in said expanded position.

17 The apparatus of claim 15 wherein there are four of said members, said one element engaging the pivotal connection between said other members in said expanded position.

18. The method of restoring a deformed roll of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising the steps of inserting into the deformed core of said roll from one end thereof expanding apparatus comprising at least two shoe members, each of said members having opposite ends and an outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of the undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position with their outer surfaces respectively in engagement with the inner surface of the deformed core to an expanded position with said outer surfaces generally lying on said circle, and power means positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of said members; actuating said power means respectively to exert outward force upon said members pivotally to expand the same to said expanded position thereby restoring said core to cylindrical shape, removing said power means from said core while leaving said members therein; inserting a plug in said one end of said core; and in either order removing said members from the other end of said core, and inserting a plug in said other end of said core.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein at least the one plug inserted in said other core end has an opening therein, said one plug being inserted in said other end of said core prior to removal of said members, said members being removed from said core through said opening.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein each of said members has one end removably connected to one end of the adjacent member by a removable hinge pin having a ring at one end thereof, said step of removing said members from said core comprising inserting a hook into said core through said one core plug opening, engaging said hook with said pin ring and thereby removing said pin from said members and core whereby said members are disconnected, and lastly removing the disconnected members through said one core plug opening.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are three of said shoe members, there being two outer members each having a distal end and an opposite end pivotally connected to an end of the middle one of said members, said outer two members being respectively shorter than said middle member. 

1. Apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising at least tHree shoe members having outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core of a deformed roll, each of said members having opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position, and power means selectively positionable between and acting outwardly upon at least any two of said members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand said members.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are at least four of said members, each of said members having one end pivotally connected to an end of one adjoining member and its opposite end pivotally connected to an end of the other adjoining member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said power means comprises a hydraulic ram having a piston rod with a distal end acting upon at least one of said members and a cylinder with a closed end acting upon at least one other of said members whereby extension of said piston rod pivotally expands said members.
 4. Apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising at least two shoe members having outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core of a deformed roll, each of said members having opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position, and power means positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of said members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand said members, said power means comprising a pair of transversely spaced-apart, force-exerting elements, one of said elements acting upon at least one of said members and the other of said elements acting upon at least one other of said members, said elements being laterally separable in a transverse direction, a hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod extensible in a longitudinal direction generally normal to said transverse direction, and a toggle linkage coupling said piston rod to said elements whereby extension of said piston rod separates said elements thereby pivotally expanding said members.
 5. Apparatus for restoring deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising at least four shoe members having outer surfaces for respectively engaging the internal surface of the core of a deformed roll, each of said members having opposite ends with its outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of an undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position to an expanded position, said outer surfaces of said members generally lying on said circle in said expanded position, there being two outer members each having a distal end and an opposite end pivotally connected to an end of an adjoining member, and power means respectively positioned between and acting outwardly upon said outer two of said members and at least one other of said members for respectively exerting outward force thereon thereby pivotally to expand said members.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said power means is removably positioned between said members, and further comprising means for retaining said members in said expanded position whereby said power means may be removed therefrom.
 7. The appAratus of claim 5 wherein said power means includes a first force-exerting element engaging said distal ends of said outer members, and a second force-exerting element engaging at least one other of said members.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein there are five of said members, said power means respectively acting upon said outer two of said members and the middle one of said members.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said outer two members are respectively shorter than the remaining members.
 10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said distal ends of said outer members are closely spaced-apart in said expanded position whereby said outer surfaces nearly complete said circle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said power means includes a pair of laterally separable, force-exerting elements, one of said elements removably engaging said middle member, and further comprising an intermediate member removably engaging the other of said elements, said intermediate member engaging said outer shoe members, and means on said intermediate member and on said outer shoe members for retaining said shoe members in said expanded position whereby said power means may be removed therefrom.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said retaining means comprising a first pair of spaced-apart roll bars on said intermediate member, said outer shoe members extending toward said middle member and having said distal ends engaging said intermediate member between said first roll bars in said collapsed position of said shoe members, and a second pair of roll bars respectively on said outer shoe members and spaced from said distal ends thereof, said first pair of roll bars respectively engaging said second pair of roll bars as said other element and intermediate member move outwardly thereby pivotally moving said outer shoe members toward said expanded position, said first and second pairs of roll bars and intermediate member cooperating to retain said shoe members in said expanded position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said distal ends of said outer shoe members are closely spaced-apart in said expanded position whereby said outer surfaces nearly complete said circle, said intermediate member having a projection formed thereon intermediate said distal ends, said projection having an outer end substantially coincident with said circle in said expanded position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein each of said shoe members is arcuate, said outer shoe members being respectively shorter than the remaining shoe members.
 15. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said power means includes a pair of laterally separable, force-exerting elements, one of said elements removably engaging at least one of said members other than said outer members, and further comprising an intermediate member removably engaging the other of said elements, said intermediate member movably engaging said distal ends of said outer shoe members, said intermediate member having an outer arcuately curved surface defining a segment of said circle, said distal ends of said outer members being spaced-apart in said expanded position with said intermediate member positioned therebetween and with its said outer surface lying on said circle.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said intermediate member has a pair of oppositely extending ears thereon, the distal end of one of said outer members engaging said outer surface of said intermediate member and the distal end of the other said outer member engaging the outer surface of said one outer member in said collapsed position, said distal ends respectively engaging said ears in said expanded position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein there are four of said members, said one element engaging the pivotal connection between said other members in said expanded position.
 18. The method of restoring a deformed roll of sheet stock to cylindrical shape comprising the steps of inserting into the deformed core of said roll from one end thereof expanding apparatus comPrising at least two shoe members, each of said members having opposite ends and an outer surface having an outward arcuate curvature between said ends which defines a segment of a circle having a diameter generally equal to the inside diameter of the undeformed core, means for pivotally connecting said members together in end-to-end relationship whereby said members may be pivotally expanded from a partially collapsed position with their outer surfaces respectively in engagement with the inner surface of the deformed core to an expanded position with said outer surfaces generally lying on said circle, and power means positioned between and acting outwardly upon at least two of said members; actuating said power means respectively to exert outward force upon said members pivotally to expand the same to said expanded position thereby restoring said core to cylindrical shape, removing said power means from said core while leaving said members therein; inserting a plug in said one end of said core; and in either order removing said members from the other end of said core, and inserting a plug in said other end of said core.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein at least the one plug inserted in said other core end has an opening therein, said one plug being inserted in said other end of said core prior to removal of said members, said members being removed from said core through said opening.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein each of said members has one end removably connected to one end of the adjacent member by a removable hinge pin having a ring at one end thereof, said step of removing said members from said core comprising inserting a hook into said core through said one core plug opening, engaging said hook with said pin ring and thereby removing said pin from said members and core whereby said members are disconnected, and lastly removing the disconnected members through said one core plug opening.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are three of said shoe members, there being two outer members each having a distal end and an opposite end pivotally connected to an end of the middle one of said members, said outer two members being respectively shorter than said middle member. 